Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship (WESAF) 2026 | Fully Funded
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The University of the Witwatersrand & the University of Edinburgh are pleased to welcome applications for the 2026/27 Masters by Research Sustainable African Futures Scholarship.
The Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, covers the full study and research costs of the program, provides a laptop and internet connectivity, accommodation, and travel flights.
In this post, we will provide a breakdown of the scholarship for interested candidates. We will also outline the requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship Summary
- Hosts: Mastercard | University of Edinburgh | University of Witwatersrand
- Study Abroad: Study in Africa
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | Travel & Visa | Accommodation | Laptop & Internet
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: February 2, 2026
Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Details:
The WESAF Doctoral Programme was established in 2023 and has so far supported a cohort of MScR students and a cohort of PhD candidates.
The WESAF Programme, a fully funded online full-time programme, aims to provide research training to emerging researchers through an interdisciplinary master’s research degree on sustainability on the African continent.
The MSc by Research (MScR) in Sustainable African Futures will be delivered predominantly online and administered by the University of Edinburgh.
Requirements for Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF)
To be considered for the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF), you must:
- Have successfully completed a university degree that will qualify for entry into a Master’s programme at the University of Edinburgh (A UK 2:1 Honours degree, or its international equivalent).
- Ideally demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable the candidate to succeed in their studies, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. Support may be offered to offer holders who are slightly below the required IELTS band to help them reach the necessary admissions requirement, but all applicants will need a foundation in English to be eligible.
- Be either:
- a recent graduates from the 14 partner universities with strong interests in pursuing a career in academia and/or research, OR
- demonstrably involved in research projects of one of the 14 partner universities OR
- a staff member at one of the 14 partner universities (including lecturers, early career researchers, professional service staff in arts and humanities, etc).
- have generally completed their last university degree not more than 3.5 years ago at the time of application
- Be 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year. Anyone born in 1990 or prior is not eligible.
- Be a resident and citizen or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
Women, applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds, candidates with disabilities, and candidates who have not completed a Master’s degree are especially encouraged to apply.
Benefits of Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship 2026
The program is delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Costs covered during the 12 months of the MSc by Research program are:
- MSc by Research fees
- Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) in Johannesburg.
- Covered costs include visa applications for South Africa entry, vaccinations as necessary, accommodation and subsistence while in Johannesburg, return flights, and internal travel.
- Workload relief for faculty / work experience stipend for early career researchers
- Laptops and connectivity stipend where appropriate
- Reading material will be accessible online through the University of Edinburgh library, and other resources will be made available by course lecturers (no cost will be attached to courses or dissertation).
Required Documents for Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Application Form
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable)
- Your final official university degree certificate and final official transcript.
How to Apply for Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures 2026 (Step by Step)
To apply for the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the green button below to go to the scholarship webpage.
- A link to apply for the Programme has been provided. Click here to apply.
- You will be required to create an account, verify it, complete an application form, and upload some documents.
- Applications will open between 10th December 2025 and 2nd February 2026.
Deadline: February 2, 2026
